Could the Chicago Cubs be adding a key piece to their lineup as they get ready for the World Series for the first time in 71 years?

Outfielder Kyle Schwarber has been out since April 7 after tearing his ACL, and he was presumed to be lost for the remainder of the 2016 season could be joining the team next week. Schwarber has been added to the Mesa Solar Sox roster in the Arizona Fall League, and there's a real chance he could be added to the Cubs' World Series roster before Tuesday's game against Cleveland.

In his first action in six-plus months, the left-handed hitting Schwarber went 0-for-3 with a walk.

How would Schwarber fit in? The Cubs will have the DH available for the first two games of the series and (if necessary) the last two. He's also a potential weapon off the bench late in games. At the very least, Cleveland would have to be careful about using right-handed relievers, knowing that Schwarber is just a substitution away. 

No decision will be made on Schwarber until after Sunday's simulated game -- but the 23 year-old could be a major addition to the Cubs' lineup in the first two games, one they weren't expecting to see on the field until 2017.

In the playoffs last year, Schwarber went 9 for 27 (.303) with five home runs and eight RBI.